Things Hipsters Hate
Out of context: Reply #103
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It could be argued that a 'hipster' is simply a brand of astute consumer who defines him or herself by the things they wear and own.
"We wear the same clothes because we feel the same." Taken at face value, this seems like a nice sentiment - but too often brand arithmetic is taken to an extreme.
"That group has started wearing 'X'. I have no idea why they are wearing it, and I don't care. I do know that if I wear 'X' people will think I am 'Y'." The psychology involved in trying to define identity through well known, media-identified associations, is obviously something that can be easily mocked.
For a start, if the media has identified a theme, it's already reached saturation point. Once a commercial entity has reason to promote something as 'cool', it's usually past it's sell by date.
On another level, sharing common theme could be thought of as appreciation or a gentle nod-towards whatever's being associated .. but, when it's taken to an extreme, I reckon it can be seen as quite lazy, overly-vain, sycophantic and boring.
It's the same as anything - being a 'hipster', can potentially be an interesting way of interacting with the world .. but too often people simple follow herd-like, in the hope that they'll get more sex, respect or attention.
Still, we're all human and most people want to feel like we belong to something.
The concept of carefully picking and choosing a personal aesthetic from everything that society has produced, could be considered post-modern - but I won't agree to that, lest I'm accused of being one myself ;)